2025 Preseason Preview –  Hill-Murray High School

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hill-Murray is coming off a strong 9–2 campaign that ended in the state quarterfinals. The Pioneers' only two losses came to eventual Class AAAA state finalists Becker and Totino-Grace. But 2025 begins a new chapter. A senior-heavy core has graduated, and Hill-Murray will now lean on underclassmen to take the reins. The group already impressed during summer scrimmages, and expectations remain steady heading into fall camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some players to watch: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hill-Murray features dynamic athlete and playmaker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1255892' first='Levi' last='Grigson']</strong>, a senior committed to the Air Force Academy. Though he's been used sparingly on offense in the past, that could change this season. Grigson has elite athletic tools and positional versatility.. A safety by trade, he brings explosiveness, toughness, and football IQ to the backfield. He's expected to be Hill-Murray's tone-setter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Grigson stated at corner as a sophomore and played all over the field last season, covering the opponent's best receiver one week, then playing the alley against the triple option the next. This fall, he'll start at strong safety, but his alignment will shift depending on the opponent and scheme. Grigson's versatility, instincts, and tackling make him one of the most complete defenders in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651178' first='Brady' last='Reeves']</strong> returns after starting both ways as a freshman at tight end and defensive end. At 6'3", 205 pounds, he's added 15–20 pounds of muscle since last season and continues to develop into a true mismatch weapon. Reeves possesses strong hands, great ball skills, and a willingness to block, making him a well-rounded tight end. He'll remain a centerpiece in the passing game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648542' first='Caden' last='Harrington']</strong>, a senior, will play both receiver and corner. A legitimate deep threat with verified track speed, Harrington has shown flashes of explosiveness on tape. A recurring hamstring injury hampered his summer, but with improved health, he could be a breakout player. He's already committed to UW–Eau Claire but could play his way into D2 interest with a strong senior season. Harrington also brings the same explosive athleticism he shows on offense to the cornerback position. He started last year on defense and will reprise that role again in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1631877' first='Jacob' last='Dornan']</strong>, now a sophomore, played receiver as a freshman and is expected to take on a bigger role in 2025. He'll play both receiver and free safety and has shown enough early on to be a reliable option on offense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1643319' first='Grady' last='Buettner']</strong>, another sophomore, brings a physical edge to the backfield. He played as a freshman and has added 20 pounds over the offseason. Buettner will line up at both running back and linebacker and is viewed as a tough, high-effort player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1249660' first='George' last='Evert']</strong>, a senior, returns at defensive end after a strong 2024 season. Listed at 6'2”, 205 pounds, Evert plays fast and aggressive off the edge. He transferred in last year and grew into a reliable disruptor in the front seven. As Hill-Murray alters its scheme, Evert is expected to become even more impactful as a stand-up rusher or hybrid linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651178' first='Brady' last='Reeves']</strong> will again start at defensive end. Reeves has excellent closing speed and natural pass-rush traits. Though still developing, his ceiling is high, and he's already proving difficult to block one-on-one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1618960' first='Ezo' last='Lane']</strong>, another returning starter at corner, adds stability to the secondary. A member of a football family, Lane has two older brothers playing Division I college football, one at North Dakota and another at Minnesota. With a year of starting experience under his belt, Lane is poised to take the next step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1643319' first='Grady' last='Buettner']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1631877' first='Jacob' last='Dornan']</strong> round out a promising sophomore class that will contribute defensively. Buettner brings toughness to the linebacker group, while Dornan is expected to see snaps at free safety. Together with the returning starters, they'll add depth and energy to a defense that prides itself on effort, versatility, and physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->